West Bromwich East MP, Nicola Richards, has urged members of the public to send a message to Sandwell Council that there should be no development on green spaces or green belt in Sandwell.

Sandwell Council are currently consulting on the initial stages of the Sandwell Local Plan and asking landowners to submit sites that could be considered for development as part of a ‘call for sites’.

As part of the recently abandoned Black Country Plan, Sandwell were proposing development in several green belt locations in Sandwell, including in Great Barr and on the Yew Tree estate.

The last ‘call for sites’ also saw landowners propose huge developments on swathes of countryside, such as at Peak House Farm in Great Barr. More than 1500 homes were proposed on these green belt sites.
Launching her campaign to save green spaces in Sandwell, Nicola said:

“Labour have a shocking record of protecting green spaces in Sandwell.

“New developments on green spaces are normal here. They’ve already bulldozed green spaces in Rowley, want to build on Lion Farm playing fields, and previously proposed new developments in Great Barr right next to Sandwell Valley and on the Yew Tree estate.

“These spaces need to be protected as our vital green lung and for future generations to enjoy. That’s why I’m campaigning to save our green spaces in Sandwell.”

A petition has been launched at nicolarichards.org.uk. Residents can also access the full consultation from this website, as well as download a copy of the consultation comments form.

Comments submitted to Sandwell Council must be received by Monday 20th March 2023.